link to RWJMS home page
banner

Biomedical Careers Program

The Biomedical Careers Program (BCP) began in 1978 as an academic enrichment program for undergraduate students interested in careers in the health professions.  The program targets undergraduates who are economically and/or educationally disadvantaged.  BCP offers an intensive six-week summer program to serve students at all stages of undergraduate education.  Students take part in a variety of science enrichment and healthcare-oriented activities. 

BCP is sponsored by UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, the New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) and the Health Careers Opportunity Program.

Academic Component
The academic component consists of science courses, relevant lab work, research and clinical experience as well as cognitive skills seminars and MCAT preparation. 

The Biomedical Careers Program consists of three levels:

Level I
Level I is designed for students who have just begun pre-professional studies and have completed at least one year of college and one semester of general chemistry, introductory biology and introductory math, respectively.

Curriculum:

  • Introduction to Microbiology
  • Introduction to General or Organic Chemistry
  • Learning Skills Workshops
  • Health Professions Career Seminars and Workshops

 

Level II
Level II is designed for students who have completed at least one semester of general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, college-level mathematics and two semesters of general biology.

Curriculum:

  • Introduction to Physiology
  • Introduction to Human Genetics
  • MCAT Science and Verbal Reasoning Review
  • Learning Skills Workshop
  • Clinical Work and/or Health Professions Career Seminars and Workshops

 

Level III
Level III is designed for students who are at or near the point of applying to professional schools and have completed most pre-professional science requirements. 

Curriculum:

  • Introduction to Immunology
  • Introduction to Neuroscience
  • Introduction to Biochemistry
  • Technical Communications
  • Research or Clinical Internship
  • Learning Skills Workshop
  • Clinical Work and/or Health Professions Career Seminars and Workshops

 

Placement of students will be based on an evaluation of each student’s overall academic record, including all courses taken and performance in these courses.

 

Career Counseling and Seminar Series 
In addition to the Core Courses, the program offers career counseling and seminars that expose participants to different health-related occupations and current public health issues.  Other seminars assist them with applying to health professions schools and gives them a glimpse into the lives of the typical graduate student.  BCP also hosts a recruitment fair and panel discussion with graduate students and health professionals.

Seminar Topics:

  • applying to health professions schools
  • interviewing for health professions schools
  • financial aid
  • cultural competence and patient-centered care
  • professionalism
  • healthy living
  • stress management
  • legal, civic and social responsibility

 

Eligibility
The following are the minimum course requirements which must be completed by the start of the program.  Courses may be in progress at the time of application; however, in such cases the Admissions Committee may require a grade report prior to making a decision.

Minimum Requirements:

  • one year of college
  • one semester of Introductory Biology
  • one semester of Introductory Math

 

We welcome students who have previously participated in BCP to reapply for admission to a more advanced level.

Because the Biomedical Careers Program is supported by New Jersey state institutions, priority is given to:

  • students enrolled at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
  • eligible EOF students enrolled at any four-year college in New Jersey
  • students who are legal residents of New Jersey enrolled in college in any state

 

2010 Program Dates:          June 7 – July 16

Application Deadline:  MARCH 15, 2010

Application Requirements

  • online application
  • essay
  • official college transcript for all colleges attended (Note: If you completed less than one year of college at the time of application, we must receive an official high school transcript.)
  • 2 letters of recommendation from college professors (One of these should be from a science professor who instructed you in class.)

Send official academic transcripts and letters of recommendation to:

Office of Special Academic Programs
675 Hoes Lane, Rm. N-224
Piscataway, NJ 08854
(732) 235-2121 [fax]

Program Fees
There is no tuition to attend the Biomedical Careers Program. Additional fees may be charged for housing, parking, health insurance and course credit.

Enrolled BCP students will receive a stipend sufficient to cover out-of-pocket expenses.

Housing
Tentatively, housing is available on a limited basis for an additional fee of $174.15 per week.  Students reside on the Rutgers University Busch Campus adjacent to Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Parking
Tentatively, parking is available for an additional fee based on residency status:

  • Commuters - $1.00 for duration of program
  • On-Campus Residents - $85.60 for duration of program